Successes
Haven House Children’s Hospice, Summer Fair
Haven House’s
Summer Fair was held on 12th and 13th July at
The White House in Mallinson Park, Woodford Green. This year
Silver Birch and Head Office donated £1000 to help purchase a large
Marquee for the event. The Fair was well attended, attracting
several thousand visitors and was supported by thirteen members of
Silver Birch Branch, over the two days. Our sister Branch Sycamore,
was also working at the Fair. At present we do not know the
total amount raised, but our second hand toy stall raised £125.
Joan Stevens, Branch Secretary said “I
am very grateful to those Foresters that gave up
their time to help over the week-end.”
Penny Sturdy, Community Fundraiser for Haven
House said,” Thank you so much Silver Birch for your continued
support and interest in the Hospice which is greatly appreciated by
all who are associated with Haven House”.
Silver Birch Donation to Children’s Charity
In May 2008, Silver Birch
Branch presented Great Ormond Street Hospital with a cheque for
£1,376 to purchase a driver for the 3100A oscillator. The
driver is a major component of the oscillator machine, which drives
the patient’s breathing, moving air in and out of the lungs very
rapidly. The driver is replaced as part of the 6,000 hour service
on the machine.
Victoria Webb, Community Fundraiser at GOSH
said, ”We need to raise £50 million every year to help rebuild and
refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, buy vital equipment and
fund pioneering research. This donation from Silver Birch Branch of
Foresters is a step towards being able to continue to provide world
class care to our very ill children and their families.”
Spring Lunch - 13 April 2008
We all enjoyed a very nice Sunday Lunch, at “Hunters Meet
Resturant” , Hatfield Heath Essex. Where we selected from our own
specially printed Silver Birch Branch Menu. We were once
again welcomed by our cordial host, “ Brendan”, and offered a
complimentary drink. Each of the courses offered ten options. Some
of us could not get through half a duck, and went home with “a
goody bag”. We had a very enjoyable return trip, seeing the
spring flowers in several Essex villages, on the way home.
“I, for one, enjoyed the day, and shall
certainly put my name down for the next visit” said Don Stevens,
Branch President.
Mike Hiron, a new member to Silver Birch said
“What a wonderful Meal! And we thoroughly enjoyed the Mystery
trip afterwards”.
DIDN'T WE DO WELL!
Marie Curie 60th Anniversary Collection – 29
February & 1 March 2008
We raised an impressive £1004.65 during our two day tin
collection at Tesco Store, Woodford Green, Essex. Margaret
Harper, Charity Chairman, said it was one of our best
collections. Thank you to all who helped to make it such a
success.
50th Anniversary Dinner Dance - A Golden Celebration
It was an evening to remember, 50 years in the making celebrated
at the Princess Suite, Menzies Prince Regent Hotel, Woodford
Bridge, Essex on 29th September 2007.
Along with over 80 fellow Branch members
and friends, we welcomed Bernard Bloom, International Fraternal
President, and his wife Maureen, along with other prominent
Forester Officials, including Stephen Dilworth and his wife
Siobhan, Euan Allison and his wife Debra and our Regional Council
President, Brian Hulf and his wife Pam.
Don Stevens, Branch President said, “I am
pleased and proud to say that
we are the first Court/Branch in the whole of the
U.K. to achieve Fifty Years continuous service to the Community,
and our Members. I had the pleasure as President to receive, from
the International Fraternal President, on behalf of the Branch, a
framed Commemorative Certificate to this effect.” (Pictured
left)
Margaret Harper, Charity Chairman, was
delighted to present a cheque for £1000 to Helen Hamerston from
HAVEN House Childrens Hospice, from various fundraising
initiatives. (Pictured right).
What a delight and an honour it was to have
Dan Rees, the Past Chief Ranger from 1957, on hand to cut the
anniversary cake with Don (pictured top left).
Joan Stevens extends a very warm ‘thank you’ to everyone who
celebrated with the Branch and helped to make the anniversary so
very special.
Regional Council Masked Ball with Presentation of Awards
Nearly 150 people saw members of Silver Birch
Branch as they were awarded one of the highest Branch accolades at
this year’s Regional Ball.
For the 2nd Year Running, we won
the A.S.C.R. Trophy in recognition for being the Best Branch in the
London & Southern England Region in 2006.
Officers and members of Silver Birch Branch enjoy working
together, and always work well as a team. Over the last 10 years,
Silver Birch Branch has raised and donated over £50,000 to various
charities by doing jumble sales, swims, raffles, fete’s, fun runs
toddles, etc., has been supportive of their members and not been
afraid to try new ventures.
Pictured above are Margaret and David Harper and Joan and Don
Stevens with the trophy.